Think Globally, Dance Locally

Peter London — both the person and the troupe of performers named for him — exemplifies Miami’s dance scene today. London, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, danced with the Martha Graham and José Limón companies and now teaches at the New World School of the Arts. After he planted himself here, he founded the Peter London Global Dance Company, which would reflect the rich cultural diversity of Miami and give a variety of dance styles an outlet.
In 2011, London landed a Knight Arts Challenge grant, which helped boost the troupe. One result was a March performance in Little Haiti that included the jazz singer Nicole Henry and dancing stars from the Graham and Bill T. Jones companies. Now, this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., the company will strut its stuff on its biggest stage yet, the Carnival Studio Theater at the Adrienne Arsht Center (1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami). “Spring Nights at the Arsht Center” will feature what has become the company’s signature multicultural, multistyle combination: a modern take on the classic Carmen, a Caribbean-influenced Calypso Bachanale, and a nod to historical black dance with Africa Africa.
Fri., May 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., May 25, 7:30 p.m., 2013